1991 Toyota Celica Reviews - Page 8 of 8

1991 Toyota Celica ST from North America

Summary:

True blue and a good bit of fun

Faults:

I had to replace the brakes and tires at about 120,000 miles and 140,000 miles, respectively. That's all I've had to worry about in four years of owning a car built in 1991. That's reliable, in my opinion.

But I notice the hint of a constant velocity joint click when I turn and the clutch is wearing out. I guess that's not bad at 150,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has plenty of power and pep. I love the growling sound the engine makes - no high irritating whines here! One can cruise along the highway at 65-75 MPH and have passing power to spare.

The interior is bare bones, but functional. It would have been greatly improved by cup holders. Other than that, the carpet and cloth seats have held up pretty well.

I also love the body styling. It's a very streamlined, curvy coupe. I wish I could find a newer model with the same shape.

I've been thinking about getting a newer car, but after every test drive I'm glad to get back in my Celica. It's a great car. If you're looking for a reliable, fun, nice-looking used car, you can't go wrong with one of these.

23rd May 2009, 20:49

I agree, great car. I bought my 91 ST in 2003 with 130K and it is still clicking along at 208K in 2009 with only normal maintenance. A very reliable car, easy to work on, great mileage. I would buy another if a good deal came along.

6th Apr 2010, 08:21

I would expect you will be able to run that thing at least until 300k miles. My dad had a 1991 Celica and just got rid of it last year. Nothing ever went wrong on it, and aside from tires and the ignition, everything was original. The only reason he didn't keep it is because a freeze plug rusted out, and to replace it you have to take the motor out... It would cost more than the value of the car to replace a $5 part. And it still ran great up until then.

1991 Toyota Celica GTi-16 2.0 litre, 16-valve from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Faults:

Passenger-side front wheel bearing badly worn, which was replaced, but this also led to an Anti-lock breaks sensor replacement.

Occasionally doesn't (warm) start - yet to be fixed (I'm told this is a common problem).

General Comments:

This is an extremely well built car as you would expect from Toyota.

Apart from the faults listed the car has been fairly reliable.

The acceleration is not as good as I expected for a 158 horse power car, but once it revs over 4000 rpm, the power really comes in to give excellent top-end performance, but I would recommend the GT-Four which is MUCH faster.

Handling not too bad as standard, but lowering the suspension would probably improve things a lot.

Not as much fun to drive as my old 130 bhp Vauxhall Cavalier, especially on "B" roads.

Not designed for rear passengers unless under 5 feet tall with short legs!

Fuel economy not brilliant, but you'd expect that from this sort of car.